Best 5.1 Speakers for PC Gaming of 2018

Best overall:
Logitech Z906

If you want loud — and who doesn't when it comes to gaming? — you want the Logitech Z906 (about $300). These things have 500 watts of power that will knock your socks off and have a detailed control console so that you have reign over all aspects of your sound. With wall-mountable satellite speakers and plenty of cord for large setups, you'll be tempted to buy a set these for every room in the house.

Bottom line: For the best overall 5.1 PC gaming speakers, go with the Logitech Z906.

One more thing: If you plan on setting this up in a theater situation, you can use the included remote control to change settings from the couch.

Why the Logitech Z906 is the best

You can connect up to six devices including two optical — ideal for anyone with home theater ambitions beyond PC gaming. A control console gives you complete reign over your sound, and you can sit back with a remote control in your hand.

At a whopping 500 watts of power, these speakers are amazing for PC gaming. Sleek design, strong performance, and THX branding make these a great addition to any room. They sit at a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with more than 660 reviews, and Trusted Reviews had this to say:

Whether you're using the Z906 in the office or living room, it delivers a very impressive sound with depth, punch and decent detail reproduction.

During the day you can annoy the neighbors, and at night you can plug in headphones and listen while the family sleeps. Each satellite speaker is wall-mountable, and the wires are long enough for home theater setups.

Runner-up:
Logitech Z506

Anyone who doesn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a surround sound setup for their gaming rig should seriously consider Logitech's Z506 system. You get can get it for about $70, but that doesn't mean it can't deliver serious sound. It booms out at you with 75 watts of power, and the bass is deep. Engadget, in its review, had this to say:

75 watts of RMS power was enough to fill a bedroom with audio and plenty to spare — we often found our tunes were loud enough to get the full effect at 50 percent volume.

The wires might be a bit short for some (six-foot rear and 15-foot front cables) if you're setting up in a living room or other large area. If you're using these speakers in a smaller area around your computer, there should be no problem with wire length.

Bottom line: For great Logitech sound without paying top dollar, check out the Z506 gaming speakers.

One more thing: Keep in mind that the satellite speakers do not have wall-mounting brackets, so setting up a home theater might be a hassle.

Best budget:
Creative Inspire T6300

Touted as their loudest Inspire, Creative's T6300 (about $50) has less power at 57 watts but maintains serious sound. Creative makes up for less wattage with a Dual Slot Enclosure technology that apparently offers louder playback with more mid-bass. Testing conducted by Gadget Review backs up Creative's claim:

This is a stellar 5.1 speaker system that performs like you would not believe with multi-range clarity and diverse bass options to [get] the party or game pumping.

The wires might snag your home theater plans as they are 6 feet (rear) and 12 feet (front); still, this is fine if you're setting things up around your battle station. These budget speakers are great for anyone who isn't just satisfied with loud volume.

One more thing: A wired remote makes changing settings on the fly a breeze.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a great set of Logitech speakers but don't want to spend hundreds of dollars, check out the Logitech Z506. For a great budget set of speakers with awesome sound, have a look at the Creative Inspire T6300. If you just want the best 5.1 PC gaming speakers overall, you can't go wrong with the Logitech Z906.

Best overall:
Logitech Z906

If you want loud — and who doesn't when it comes to gaming? — you want the Logitech Z906 (about $300). These things have 500 watts of power that will knock your socks off and have a detailed control console so that you have reign over all aspects of your sound. With wall-mountable satellite speakers and plenty of cord for large setups, you'll be tempted to buy a set these for every room in the house.

Bottom line: For the best overall 5.1 PC gaming speakers, go with the Logitech Z906.

One more thing: If you plan on setting this up in a theater situation, you can use the included remote control to change settings from the couch.

Updated December 5, 2017: We double-checked our recommendations to make sure these are still the best 5.1 speakers for PC gamers.